The "Fermi Paradox" states; "though there is a lack of evidence for life on other planets its probability is high due to scale". Scientist estimate that there are 200–400 billion stars in the Milky Way and 70 sextillion in the observable universe. It is this scale that leads 54% of American's to believe that there is life on other planets.
Carl Sagan popularize this idea in his writings. Sagan promoted this idea in his book Contact when he wrote; "the universe is a pretty big place. If it's just us, seems like an awful waste of space.”
Could 54% of American's be right? Does the sheer scale and size of our universe give enough substance to believe? Should we believe in life on other planets based on a common sense idea that it would be a waste of space?
First, we are working with limited knowledge. We have yet to view all that exists. However, the God of Holy Scripture states that he was there at the beginning and he knows everything that exists (Colossians 1:15-16).
Second, Scripture does not teach that there is life on other planets. It stipulates in the aforementioned Scripture that God created everything but reserved human or intelligent life to one planet (Genesis 1:27, 2:1-25).
Lastly, we must answer Sagan's question of wasted space. Why would God create such vastness and limit human or intelligent life to one planet? Again Scripture clearly answers this question in Colossians 1:16; "all things were created by Him and for Him". God created everything for His glorification. Psalm 19:1 teaches us; "that the heavens declare the glory of God". God created a vast universe for His glorification. Our universe's vastness speaks to the degree to which God should be glorified.
Our continued discoveries should not promote a stronger belief in Sagan's common sense idea or the Fermi Paradox. However, it should magnify a staggering realization of God's seriousness as it relates to His glory.
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